ARC Raiders: All the Details on the Newest Buzz-Worthy Extraction Shooter

Embark Studios is making waves once again with their latest venture, ARC Raiders. Following on from the mixed feedback to The Finals, their initial foray into free-to-play arena shooters, this new title sets the stage for a thrilling PvPvE third-person extraction shooter experience. Here’s an in-depth look at everything we know about ARC Raiders.

Release Date, Platforms, Pricing, Editions

ARC Raiders first captured attention when it was unveiled at The Game Awards 2021. Initially planned as a free-to-play cooperative third-person shooter, the game has since evolved into a buy-to-play PvPvE experience, leading to a shift in its release timeline. At Summer Game Fest 2025, the developers announced the game would officially launch on October 30, 2025. Gamers can choose between two editions: the Standard Edition at $39.99 and the Deluxe Edition at $59.99, which includes 2,400 Raider Tokens and “The Wanderer” Pack featuring exclusive in-game items. Additional cosmetic enhancements and battle pass content are also available via Raider Tokens.

Genre, Setting, and Story Premise

ARC Raiders immerses players in a gripping post-apocalyptic world on Earth’s Italian coast. The game’s setting unfolds in the aftermath of a catastrophic ARC unit invasion, forcing humanity to seek refuge underground. Players emerge as “Raiders,” brave souls scavenging for survival amidst the ruins. Known for its unique retro-futuristic style, ARC Raiders combines Cold War-era tech with advanced robotics, wrapped in a rich atmosphere enhanced by neon lights and haunting soundscapes.

While there is no traditional story campaign, players can uncover narrative elements through exploration, NPC interactions, and evolving quests. The goal is to piece together the puzzle of the ARC invasion and uncover the fate of Earth’s lost elite.

Gameplay

The essence of ARC Raiders lies in its high-stakes raids and strategic extractions. Players form squads of up to three or tackle missions solo, navigating treacherous environments from crumbling cities to derelict bunkers. Along the way, they must contend with hostile ARC robots and rival players vying for precious resources.

Success hinges on tactical prowess and teamwork, as failed confrontations mean losing everything not stored safely. Extraction is a dynamic process, requiring players to reach designated points before time runs out. The game’s various extraction methods each carry unique risks and rewards, adding layers to strategic planning. Upon successful extraction, players are rewarded with materials to upgrade gear and facilities, driving the progression system. The “Match Journey” system records the narrative of each run, enriching the player experience.

Tech and Specs

Powered by Unreal Engine 5, ARC Raiders promises stunning visuals. The PC version supports advanced technologies like NVIDIA’s RTX Global Illumination, DLSS, and AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution 3.1, among others. Here are the official system requirements:

Minimum: